Study In Canada

Why Study in Canada?

Statista found that there were around 621,656  international students with study permits in Canada by the end of 2021. You can now see how Canada's welcoming and student-friendly policies make it an ideal destination for students from all over the world.  

While some countries focus on growing their older populations, Canada is one of the few that actively seeks to increase its young population. The Canadian government and educational institutions are working hard to attract more international students to study in Canada. So if you are considering studying abroad in Canada, read on to learn more about what the country offers you. 

Benefits of Studying in Canada

• Canada is home to many international students from diverse backgrounds, allowing you to interact and learn from people worldwide.
• Universities in Canada focus on imparting excellent classroom education and equally give importance to hands-on experiential learning as well. 
• International students can work up to 20 hours per week to earn extra money while studying and gain practical experience.
• After graduation, international students have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.
• Canada offers numerous job opportunities, and you can apply for a post-study work permit that allows you to work up to 3 years after graduation.

Education System in Canada 

There are many reasons why Canada is considered one of the best places in the world to get an education. Firstly, Canada's immigration-friendly policies make it easy for international students to study here. Moreover, the country's cost-effective yet excellent higher education system provides numerous opportunities for those looking to further their education. 

Canada offers one of the world's best post-secondary education institutions, including universities, colleges, vocational schools and such. The academic year at many Canadian universities is categorised into fall, winter, and spring. Summer term is also an option at some schools. This schedule allows students to take more classes per year and graduate sooner. 

On the other hand, certificates or diplomas from colleges are more career-oriented. Vocational programs can give you the skills and training needed to enter a particular career. Technical schools, vocational colleges, and career colleges offer programs in various industries, so you can choose the one that interests you most.

Cost of Studying in Canada

Many students dream of studying abroad, but the costs can be a significant barrier. You can get high-quality education in Canada without spending as much as you would in other countries.  However, the cost of attending university goes beyond the tuition fees. You must also budget for items such as books, living expenses and housing. Remember to take these into account when planning your finances for university. Look at the average tuition fees for each level of study in Canada. 

Cost of Studying and Living in Canada 

When choosing a university to study in Canada, international students should consider the cost of living in the country. The university's location can greatly impact living expenses, so it is essential to consider this when deciding. Here is a table that shows the estimated costs for the basic expenses: 

Universities in Canada

As international students increasingly seek out universities abroad, institutions that can provide a multicultural environment are becoming more popular. In Canada, many universities can meet these expectations. The country's universities are known for their excellent faculty, modern facilities and industry-specific training programs.

There are many reasons to consider studying in Canada, including the fact that it is home to some of the world's top universities. Institutions of higher learning in Canada vary greatly in size and reputation. Still, all offer quality education at an affordable price compared to other popular study destinations like the UK and US. Canada should be at the top of your list if you're looking for a world-class education without breaking the bank.

Study Levels for International Students 

If you are aspiring to do your higher education in Canada, you need to consider the requirements and duration of each course before you apply for a course. Here is a brief overview of the various levels of higher education you can do in Canada:

1) Diploma:

There are many advantages to taking diploma courses at Canadian universities, including gaining essential knowledge in a shorter time frame. These courses can give students a strong foundation in their chosen field of study. You can also easily transition into a Master's program while pursuing this. 

2) Undergraduate:

An undergraduate degree in Canada ranges from three to five years. Most university degrees offer the opportunity to gain paid work experience through a Co-op program. Co-op students typically alternate between four months of school and four months working full-time for an organisation. This way, you can try out different careers and make some money while earning a degree. 

3) Postgraduate: 

In Canada, postgraduate degrees are for one to two years that are offered either as a course-based or thesis-based program. A few basic requirements to apply for post-graduation include completing a bachelor's degree with around 65-85% aggregate, 6.5 or more IELTS score, a letter of recommendation, and more. 

4) PhD:

There are numerous research opportunities in Canada for international students, and the degree usually lasts three to six years. International students who obtain a PhD in Canada can take advantage of the high-quality education and job placement opportunities while working with some of the world's leading experts in their field.

5) Vocational: 

You can apply for vocational courses in Canada to get a career-oriented education and experience from college. These courses are designed to offer hands-on experience and valuable skills to give real-world experience to students. 

Courses for International Students in Canada

Higher education institutions in Canada offer a variety of courses that can help you establish a successful career. Make sure you do your research and choose courses that will be beneficial for your future goals. Some of the popular courses in Canada that international students opt to study include:

• Business and Finance 
• Health and Medicine 
• Computer Science and IT
• Engineering 
• Media and Journalism 

Scholarships for International Students 

Scholarships are a great way to finance your education, in Canada, while some scholarships are based on academic achievement, others recognise volunteer work or experience. Scholarship funding is competitive, so it's essential to research different options and apply for as many as possible. Some scholarships are awarded automatically, while others require an application process.

To get a scholarship as an international student in Canada, you must meet certain criteria. Different scholarships can have varied eligibility requirements, but there are some general things that all international students should keep in mind. These include excellent academic performance, good IELTS or TOEFL scores, and even involvement in volunteer services and extracurricular activities.

Some of the undergraduate scholarships for international students include:

• York University International Student Scholarship Program 
• Carleton Prestige Scholarships
• Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
• University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students.

A few of the graduate scholarships available for international students include:

• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
• University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence
• University of Calgary Graduate Awards
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships